Ukiah City Council OKs plan for downtown tree lights

The Ukiah City Council Wednesday unanimously approved a plan to put lights on 16 trees along School Street as part of a demonstration project in conjunction with the city's Electric Utility.

Director Mel Grandi said the utility would purchase the lights using money it is required to spend on public benefit projects, and the Ukiah Main Street Program would install and maintain them.

After researching the types of bulbs and installation that are low-maintenance and low-damage, Grandi said he determined using plastic tape that grows with the tree to tie the lights to the branches would be best.

"We would recommend LED bulbs, and recommend installing them on intersection trees," Grandi said, explaining that four trees in four intersections along School Street will be covered with lights.

"So we will have two blocks of really beautiful trees?" asked Council member Mari Rodin, and fellow Council member Benj Thomas asked Rick Hansen, executive director of the Main Street Program, what the "hope" among the downtown merchants was for the lights.

"Last year, the general consensus was they would like to see all the trees from Stephenson to Smith streets be lit in some manner," Hansen said. "But because of costs, we won't be able to light all 37 estimated trees. Ultimately, it would be our desire, and that of the merchants, to see all the trees lit."

"This is a demonstration, and then each year we will fill in more until we get them all," said Mayor Mary Anne Landis.

When Rodin asked about choosing the color of the lights, Grandi said they would be white. When Rodin asked "what type of white?" Grandi said "a warm white, a bit more clear than the streetlights."

Hansen said the Main Street Program has received offers from people and businesses to buy lights for the trees, and "perhaps we can do a public outcry and create a fund specifically for (the lighting)."

Hansen said the streetlights on the intersections can wash out lights and the color of lights was chosen because it would stand out.

"I want to be optimistic," said Council member Phil Baldwin. "Right now I'm going to vote yes;' however it has to look superior to all other attempts in the past, or I'm never voting for it again."

"I promise you Phil, they will look wonderful," said Judy Pruden, who serves on the Design Review Board for the Main Street Program. "I think the community will thoroughly enjoy it, and I absolutely promise you won't see any light strings fall on School Street.

"Do you have a timetable," Thomas asked. "Do you know when we might see the first glimmer?"

The council then voted unanimously to have Grandi buy the lights. At the Sept. 5 meeting the amount discussed was $7,000, but Grandi asked if the council would amend the resolution to allow him not to exceed a previously budgeted amount of $25,000.

"We're going to have lights downtown and new planters," Landis said. "It's going to look spiffy down there."